What Your Reactions Reveal About Who You Really Are

How often do we overlook the very people God values most?

In this episode, Whitney Sewell unpacks what Scripture teaches about favoritism and why men often value people based on status, influence, or convenience without even realizing it. Through practical examples, Whitney shows how subtle this mindset can be—and how powerful it is when you begin seeing every person as God’s adopted royalty.

If you want to grow as a husband, father, and leader who reflects Christ in everyday moments, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

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Transcript

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It's amazing how differently you treat someone when you pause long enough to see what God sees. And if you're honest, most days you don't pause at all. You're moving fast. Thinking about your next meeting, your next call, your next problem to solve. And without even noticing, you start sorting people into categories. Important, not important, helpful, not helpful, worth your time, not worth your time. It shows up in all the little moments you never think about. The janitor who holds the door for you every morning. And you give him a quick nod, you know, without ever learning his name. The assistant who schedules your meetings, you know, and you treat him like a task, you know, not a person. The grocery clerk who, you know, moves a little slower than you'd like. And, you know, you let your impatience show because you assume your time matters more. Even your own kids. How many times have you snapped at them, you know, after speaking kindly to strangers all day? These aren't big, dramatic failures. They're quiet. Common habits, you know, but every one of them reveals something about your heart. You're not seeing people the way God does. And scripture has a lot to say about that. In James 2, 1 through 4, James describes a scene in the early church where a wealthy man walks in and everyone treats him with honor, you know, while a poor man is quietly pushed aside. His warning is serious and straightforward. Showing favoritism, you know, is a sin. There's no way around it. In 1 Samuel 16, when the prophet Samuel was choosing the next king, he automatically assumed the strongest, most impressive looking son was the right choice. But verse 7 tells us man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. It's a reminder we all need. You know, we tend to judge people based on their job title, their wealth, or their accomplishments, but God values what we can't see. Similarly, in Luke 10, 25 through 37, we read the passage about the good Samaritan. Jesus, you know, tells us of a wounded man lying on the side of the road, ignored by people who should have helped him, religious leaders, respected members of the community, you know, men who were supposed to, you know, know better. They walked past because he didn't fit their plans or benefit their day. But the Samaritan, someone no one expected to step in, stopped and cared for him. Jesus uses this story to show that real loves his past categories. It notices the person in front of you, even when they're inconvenient, unfamiliar, or unable to offer anything in return. All three passages drive one point home. We treat people differently than God does, and it reveals more about our hearts than theirs. Favoritism shows up in the quick judgments you make, the people you rush past, and the ones you give extra attention to because they benefit you. Scripture won't let us ignore it. Every person you meet carries God's image. And when you choose convenience or status over compassion, you know what? You're the one who drifts. This matters because the way you see people is shaping the man you're becoming. And God calls you to something better. So let's talk about how we can practice seeing people as God's image bearer starting today. Number one, slow down long enough to actually see the person in front of you. You can't see God's image in someone if you won't look at them. So start with this simple discipline. Whenever someone speaks to you, your wife, your kids, a cashier, a team member, pause and look at them in the eye. Not the second glance you've mastered, not the distracted nod while scrolling your phone. Actually see them. Ask yourself in that moment, how would I treat them if Jesus were standing right next to me? Because he is. You'll be shocked how much this reveals about your heart. Number two, give honor to the people you usually overlook. Think about the last 24 hours. Who did you walk past? The person cleaning the office, the barista, you know, making your coffee, the intern you barely acknowledged, the family member who needed your patience, the teammate who doesn't add value today. Pick one category and give intentional honor, a kind word, a thank you, a question that shows interest. Something that reminds them they matter to you. This breaks favoritism at the root because it forces you to value people who can't give you anything in return. Number three, catch yourself when you're impressed by all the wrong things. Most men don't even realize how quickly they shift into ranking mode. You hear someone's title and treat them with more respect. You see someone's clothes and assume their importance, right? You meet someone successful and suddenly your tone changes. Whenever that happens, quietly ask yourself, what about this person is impressing me? And is that something God cares about? This one question will reveal a lot about your heart and your pride and your assumptions. Number four, practice hidden kindness. Acts of service no one sees. Do something for someone who will never know it was you. Send anonymous encouragement to a struggling family. Right? Cover a cost for someone quietly. Show up early to do a task no one wants. Why? Because when no one can praise you, it purifies your motives. It trains your heart to love people because of who they are, not what attention it gets you. Number five, ask God to help you see people the way He sees them. This isn't something you muscle through. You need the Holy Spirit to soften your eyes and your heart. So pray a simple daily prayer. Father, help me see people today the way you see them. Help me honor your image bearers, not my preferences. When you ask him for that, he'll open your eyes in ways you didn't expect. Here's your challenge for the week. Choose one person you normally overlook and treat them like God's image bearers, not with flattery, not with performance, but with genuine honor. Maybe that's the coworker who you know slows you down. Maybe it's the child who needs more patience, you know, than you want to give. Maybe it's the neighbor you'd rather avoid. Maybe it's the cashier who's just trying to make it through her shift. Stop. Look them in the eye. See them the way God sees them. Because the minute you start valuing people the way God does, something shifts in your soul. Your heart grows softer, your presence grows stronger, and the people around you start getting a clearer picture of the God you follow. Treat the next person you see like God's image bearer because they are. And when you do that consistently, you don't just change your day, you start shaping a legacy. Subscribe to the Courageous Men podcast. Would you share this with a friend who needs the reminder to slow down, break favoritism, and start treating every person like someone God treasures? And start by joining the courageous men community today. Let's take action, let's be courageous.